Connect
PMR and prednisone
I was diagnosed in April with PMR. Because it was mainly in my shoulders I saw an orthopedic surgeon who put me on an inflammatory. Shortly there after I had an appointment with my rheumatologist and diagnosed me promptly.
He started me on 5mg 2 to 3 a day of prednisone.
The problem is I am a diabetic but was only on metformin. Now I am using small doses of insulin. What I don't understand, did you stay on a consistent everyday?
On days I feel great I avoid taking my prednisone. Recently my pain is now in my thighs which is affecting my ability to walk. I have a granddaughter that plays college soccer, 2 granddaughters that play high school varsity soccer and we attend high school football games. This means that at least 4 times a week I am climbing bleachers. I believe this is a contributing factor to the thigh pain. I am OCD about my house, enjoy cooking and canning and I am also a quilter. I am finding these activities difficult too. I am really confused about the proper way I should be taking my prednisone. My rheumatologist is aware that I am concerned about my sugar and has not established a definite guide line for taking the prednisone. I use infrared heat, supplements, oils and Voltaren
I would appreciate any suggestions. I did receive a steroid injection in one arm because the bursa was so inflamed it caused a large painful bump. Has anyone tried physical therapy or massages? Today was horrible and I retreated to bed. I am so glad I found this group and am looking forward to any suggestions. We are planning a trip to Gatlinburg and would enjoy hiking. Thank you, Deb from Ohio
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Connect
@gramsof6
Hello Deb from Ohio!
I can totally empathize as a PMR and diabetic patient who is on Metformin only. I agree with Dadcue about the prednisone in a once daily dose. That would be 15 mg in your case. I was never put on any insulin. I have pain in my thighs too and recently spent a day walking around Universal Studios in Hollywood so I know how you feel walking up those bleachers! Do you use anything for pain besides voltaran gel and heat? Both are good but the volteren gel is really more for smaller areas like hands. I use Aspercreme, original formula on my shoulders and thighs. When my pain is bad I take a regular ( not long-acting) opioid, Percocet , sometimes half a dose with one ES Tylenol, rapid release capsule. I’m under the care of a pain management team so I do not abuse this drug. Some people here take the arthritis strength Tylenol. It is not good to take NSAIDS (like naproxen or advil) together with prednisone because of potential gastrointestinal problems. Massage and physical therapy is good too.
Wishing you the best on your health journey!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@gramsof6
Just to add to my previous text…
I also believe you would have more control of your blood sugar if you take your prednisone daily in one dose and not just when you have pain. I think splitting your dose has your sugar going all over the place and I believe you can reduce or even eliminate the insulin if you take it in one dose daily! It needs to build up to a therapeutic level for pain relief before you attempt any tapering. Watch your diet and do whatever activity you can tolerate to help your blood sugar. I’m an metformin only diabetic and I’ve never had to take insulin while on prednisone….
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionEveryone has given you great advice, so I'll just add one more piece. Don't be afraid to fire your rheumatologist! Keep up your search until you find one that is responsive and knowledgeable. They are out there but you need to find them and advocate for yourself.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsThank you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm all about that "Fire your Rheumatologist"; been there done that last month. But---for me, when I did that and received another referral from my primary submitting to my Medicare Advantage type Insurance, am now on a list that is Taboo. I received a referral to be informed that the doctor is no longer accepting new patients. The original, 1st referral never called and would not return call for an appt. The one seen Aug 8th that mentioned biopsy for GCA, mentioned a regimen for treatment of the PMR along with an initial dose of 40-60mg Prednisone, P/T, and massive amount (23) blood tests; never followed through with anything until last week with a 30 day dose of 10mg Prednisone, once daily. Appointment with that one Oct. 14th if they still recognize the appt? I found many Rheumatologist in town, only 2 on my current insurance plan, with others being way out of any possible visit costs. I would suggest a thorough check of cost for your new choices before committing.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have been taking 5mg of prednisone for years because of PMR. I can never skip a dose of prednisone without withdrawal pain. It isn’t designed to fluctuate your dose so be consistent with it especially if you want to be comfortable in Gatlinburg.
I love Gatlinburg!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThanks for that input. I am constantly experimenting with splitting doses between A.M. & P.M., different time of day for body clock function etc. I am on 12.5mg currently from 15mg last week & before.
After 4 years am now on prednisone 5 mg am and 4mg pm. I do not think I am getting off.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionOut of curiosity; do you still have all the side effects of the Prednisone daily? Have you learned or been able to train your body & mind to bypass the side effects and be functional? I have managed to accomplish that feat with my chemo by staying active after taking , since 2004. I dropped my recent reduction from 12.5mg to 10mg this morning and accomplished some work in my garden, meal preps, seedling transplants but it kinds kicked my rear. Now a headache and semi nauseated-weird.
Thanks for sharing
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHas ant doctor for PMR recommended cannabinoids and removing Prednisone?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction